Getting Started with the U.S. Census: Social/Economic Census Sources

Census Aggregated Data Sources

The following databases and websites allow researchers to access Census population and household economic statistics. Some provide census data for the most recent few years, others go back to 1790. These contain aggregated statistics (statistics that have been processed into easy to use, pre-made tables).

Data and interactive thematic maps from the U.S. Census from 1790-present.

Provides access to current and historical United States census data, including all historic decennial censuses and American Community Surveys, as well as other demographic information, such as religious organizations. Census data is current to 2010 and historical back to 1790. In addition to being a data resource, the web interface lets users create maps and reports to better illustrate, analyze and understand demography and social change.

Data from the US Decennial Census, the American Community Survey, the Economic Census, and more. (American Fact Finder)

"Searchable database used to find online source for accessing population, housing, economic and geographic data from the from the U.S. Census, including the Census of Population and Housing and the American Community Survey. After the 2000 census, the detailed census ""long form"" was replaced by the American Community Survey, a sample distributed to about 3% of households annually, as compared to the decennial census long form which went to 1 in 6 households every 10 years. The current version of American Factfinder contains 2010 and 2000 census data only. Historical versions of the census in PDF may be found on the Historical Census of Population and Housing site

. Selected historical tables and maps are also available from the Historical Census Browser at the University of Virginia. Current and historical census and mapping data is also available in an easy-to-use format via the commercial database Social Explorer

A comprehensive collection of statistics on the social, political, and economic conditions of the United States, 1878 to present.

The United States Statistical Abstract (aka Stat Ab) is useful both as a convenient source for statistical reference, and as a guide to sources of more information, in print and on the Web (when available). Sources include the Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and many other Federal agencies and private organizations. Prior to 2012, the Stat Ab was provided free of charge. In 2012, Congress cancelled funding and ProQuest has continued producing the Stat Ab.

The Historical Data Package was not renewed after July 1, 2018. For more information, please contact your subject librarian.A web-based data analysis and mapping application that allows users to create custom thematic maps, tables, and reports using demographic, business, and marketing data for the United States. Note: Access limited to 10 simultaneous users. To increase the limit temporarily for use in classes or workshops, please send your request to eart@library.berkeley.edu a minimum of 5 business days in advance.

A web-based data analysis and mapping application that allows users to create custom thematic maps, tables and reports using demographic, business, and marketing data for the United States. Includes over 70,000 data variables related to demographics, employment, real estate & housing, crime, businesses, consumer spending, and points of interest data from the US Census, historical US Census data (1980, 1990, 2000), SimmonsLOCAL data from Experian, and Nielsen Claritas PRIZM data.

Census Numeric Data Sources

The following provide Census numeric data and may require a statistical software package (Stata, R, SPSS, SAS, etc) to access and process the data.

Provides access to Public Use Microdata Samples (PUMS). PUMS data is available for geographic areas over 100K in population. Does not allow for smaller geographies. 1790-present. Sign up for a free account to access and use the data.

SDA (Survey Documentation and Analysis) allows for basic data analysis within several data sets including the General Social Survey, U.S. Census microdata, and other surveys. Also links to SDA ready datasets in iPUMS.

The Census Bureau makes much of its raw datafiles available via an FTP server. This is for experienced data users familiar with statistical software packages such as SAS, SPSS, Stata. Codebooks are provided for each dataset.